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As concerns about reopening schools mount, it appears that the start of the 2021 academic calendar for those in the public education system may be delayed.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga at a briefing on June 1, 2020. Picture GCIS.
JOHANNESBURG – The country can expect some clarity on plans to reopen schools on when Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to brief the nation on Friday.
Educators have had a particularly difficult time during this COVID-19 pandemic, with 1,600 succumbing to the virus in recent months.
And there has been a growing concern to return to school as planned amid a fierce second wave of infections.
As concerns mount around the reopening of schools, it appears that the start of the 2021 academic calendar for those in the public education system could be delayed.
READ: Unions to DBE: Be Prepared for When Schools Reopen Amid Pandemic
The Basic Education Department is expected to submit proposals to the coronavirus national command council after meeting with unions and other industry players on Wednesday.
The teachers’ unions want the reopening of schools, scheduled for January 27, to be postponed.
Basil Manuel of South Africa’s National Organization of Professional Teachers said they supported any proposal to delay the reopening of schools, at least until the coronavirus infections are gone.
“That is the recommendation that has been sent to the NCCC and we will get a specific date or reopening from them.”
READ: Naptosa pledges to closely monitor schools amid second wave of COVID-19
Mugwena Maluleke from the University of South Africa said it was important for the sector to be informed by science.
“Science tells us that the numbers are not very good for school reopening.”
Meanwhile, University of Johannesburg professor Carin Runciman said that reopening schools at this time could further increase broadcasts.
“It is very similar to the situation we faced in July last year, where the cases were very high.”
A survey published by the University’s Center for Social Change in association with the Human Sciences Research Council found that 53% of adults believe schools should remain closed until the situation improves.
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